So often when we think of discipline we think in terms of rules or other factors driving us to do something. To coach like a champion that is not what discipline is. You must practices self-discipline to do what is necessary, often what is uncomfortable to do what needs to be done. There is no need for discipline to be imposed from outside. It comes from within in the form of self-discipline.
For a gymnast self-discipline means that you have ownership. It is your decision, your choice. When you are in the gym at a meet no coach will drive you forward, it must come from within. You must do it on your own. You must control and channel your emotions. You must draw on the hours of practice and execute what you have practiced.
Coaches, you must set your rules. Live by those rules. Be the best you, you can be. That takes self-disciple and control. It takes discipline to say no to distractions that will take you away from goal. The easiest way to practice self-discipline is to make the things that are necessary into habits. Creating habits alleviates the mental burden of always making decisions. Get comfortable being uncomfortable all the time – that is the champions choice.
Just Doing It Is Not Enough
Just doing it may work for Nike selling shoes but in no way does it represent what needs to be done to grow and develop an athlete. Unfortunately, today I see too many young coaches and gymnasts athletes “just doing it” with no concern for intensity, quality of movement or intention. As coaches we must not allow athletes to just do it. We must teach and motivate them to do it better every day. Every day, every session the goal should be to do it better. Coaches must teach athletes to hold themselves accountable to personal excellence and commitment. Effort does not take talent or ability therefore the goal each day should be perfect effort. We must also be careful as coaches to not to fall into the trap of “just doing it.” Challenge yourself the same way you challenge your athletes.
